TWO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN ANTI-GOVERNMENT DEMONSTRATIONS
New York, June 19, 2001 — Two Algerian journalists were killed last Thursday, June 14, while covering mass anti-government protests organized by Berber community leaders in the capital Algiers, CPJ has learned. Fadila Nejma, a reporter for the Arabic weekly Echourouk, died after being struck by a speeding bus during the protests. Nejma suffered severe…
CPJ Delegation Meets With Israeli Ambassador Committee Expresses Deep Concern about Shootings of Journalists
June 11, 2001 – A CPJ delegation met with Israeli ambassador to the United States David Ivry to express its deep concern about the cases of 15 journalists wounded by Israeli gunfire while covering unrest in the West Bank and Gaza Strip since last September. CPJ expressed its concern to the ambassador that in some…
As presidential vote approaches, CPJ calls on government to free jailed journalists
June 6, 2001 — CPJ is concerned that Iran’s June 8 presidential election is taking place in an environment where local journalists are not free to report the news. Five Iranian journalists are currently jailed for their work, according to CPJ research, and dozens of newspapers have been shut down. “When Iranians last went to…
CPJ condemns military trial of Lebanese-American correspondent
June 5, 2001 — CPJ today condemned the military trial of a New York-based Lebanese reporter who has been charged with “dealing with the enemy” because she participated in the same panel discussion as an Israeli official. Raghida Dergham, the New York bureau chief for the London-based daily Al-Hayat and a noted commentator on Arab…
Newsweek reporters detained by militant faction
New York, May 31, 2001 — CPJ is concerned about the recent detention of two journalists from Newsweek magazine by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. On the early afternoon of May 29, according to international news reports, Newsweek Jerusalem bureau chief Joshua Hammer and photographer Gary Knight were interviewing Palestinian militants in the town…
Jailed editor transferred to solitary confinement
New York, May 24, 2001 — Jailed Iranian editor Mashallah Shamsolvaezin was transferred to solitary confinement on May 17, sources in Iran told CPJ. Shamsolvaezin has also been summoned by Tehran’s Press Court for questioning about his alleged ties with opposition figures, several of whom were recently arrested. Shamsolvaezin, the editor of several now-banned Iranian…
Who Shot Riad Ben Fadhel? On anniversary of assassination attempt against Tunisian journalist, CPJ calls for justice
New York, May 22, 2001 — CPJ today called on the Tunisian government to bring to justice the perpetrators of last year’s assassination attempt against Tunisian journalist Riad Ben Fadhel, who was wounded in a drive-by shooting outside his home in the capital, Tunis. Ben Fadhel was shot on May 23, 2000, just days after…
Deputies Pass Harsh Criminal Defamation Law
New York, May 18, 2001 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed deep concern about the Algerian Parliament’s recent approval of new legislation that stiffens criminal penalties for defamation. On May 16, according to local news reports, the lower house of Parliament—the National People’s Assembly—approved new amendments to the Algerian Penal Code that prescribe…
CPJ welcomes release from jail, urges full freedom of movement for ailing journalist
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has welcomed news of the release of Syrian journalist and human rights activist Nizar Nayyouf, who was taken from prison to his parents’ home on the night of May 6 after serving nine years of a 10-year sentence. This action is a very positive step, although it is long overdue, particularly since Nayyouf has suffered severe health problems in prison.